Holland America Line Brings Back Behind-the-Scenes Ship Tours

For the first time since early 2020, Holland America Line is offering behind-the-scenes tours of its ships, giving guests access to rarely seen areas including the ship’s galley, engine control room, bridge, and more.

During the nearly three-hour tour, participants will learn more about the technical side of ship life, from how to run a kitchen that serves thousands of guests to how crew recycle or get so much laundry done in a day. Participants will also meet with some of the ship’s senior officers to hear more about their day-to-day jobs.

Guests who book the tour will receive a unique ship-specific lanyard, souvenir photo, and commemorative certificate.

“We hear so often from guests who’d love to see the bridge or where our chefs prepare their meals. By bringing back this tour experience we’re pulling back the curtain to these areas that are rarely visited,” said Carole Biencourt, Holland America Line’s vice president of onboard revenue. “It’s a fascinating look at the inner workings of a cruise ship, and guests love meeting the crew members who work behind the scenes to create such a memorable experience.”

 Each behind-the-scenes tour will visit several locations including the ship’s navigational bridge, galley and engine control room, as well as the main laundry, recycling center, World Stage dressings rooms, marshalling areas, storerooms, the bakery and behind the bars.

 At each location, the tour will be met by a shipboard team member who will show the group around and give detailed information about the location and its contributions to the ship’s operation.

The behind-the-scenes tours are currently available on select ships, but will be rolled out to all ships by the end of the month. Tours must be booked onboard at guest services and currently cost $179 per person.